As we wrapped-up our session at the Paint Mines- a remarkable storm rolled in over the plains and gave us quite a show, with hail and lightning! The second half of our day was set for Red Rock Canyon in Manitou Springs so we set off in the tempest for the hour drive back.
Before I go any further, I have many people to give thanks to for making this event successful.
Thank you to each of the talented photographers that prioritized this event and gave their gifts to the models! Ryan Tortorelli of Persona Studios in Aurora, Colorado was committed from the very beginning and was with me last year in Santa Fe for Wanderlust 2016. His talent with light is incredible and when he shows up, he brings the party! Trish (Trish The Dish) of Trish Koch Photography offered her lovely presence and constant 'she said' jokes to help me not feel like the only person with a 15 year old sense of humor! Trish's gifts are a perfect compliment for mine so the days shooting were filled with fun, laughter, and epic photography! I will miss her when she moves to Florida but Wanderlust 2018 will be in MIAMI with her! And lastly, my Michaela Scott of Michaela Scott Photography came down from Idaho to join in our shenannigans. Michaela has been a part of my life for over 4 years. She was one of my high school seniors and she won my model competition in 2013. She interned at my studio for 2 summers before she married the love of her life and made her home in Idaho. Now is has a thriving photography business of her own. I couldn't love her any more. I feel so honored to have friends and peers that work so beautifully together and collaborate to create a wonderful experience for our seniors.
Many hands work together to make this magic happen. Thank you to The Cliff House in Manitou Springs for the lovely lodging for my models and their families. Beth's Boutique in Old Colorado City provided lovely styling and hand made jewelry for my event. Kristin, owner of Teased and Tangled, showed up to make magic with hair and makeup each morning. The Crystal Park Cantina in Manitou Springs gave us a wonderful large group dining experience. Anthropologie, Free People, & Nordstroms made some of our outfits and styling turn out as perfectly as I envisioned. The security guards at the Millennial Bridge in Downtown Denver were amazing and made sure we were well-cared for. And I want to thank my wonderful husband, Bill, for putting up with my obsession with shopping, planning and stressing for months in advance of this event. He is so graceful and takes such great care of me during the event with loving notes and meals that I don't need to think to plan. You are a gift.
With no further ado- here are the images captured at Red Rock Canyon. The shoot started in a snow storm, so you will see snow flakes in Chatham's hair and wet boots. ;) We are so grateful that the sun decided to win out so we could finish the shoot even though the goose bumps on these models is FOR REAL!
Live Life Beautifully,
Penny